Ten Things Rising Seniors Can Do To Get A Jump Start On The College Search

The time is now for rising seniors to get a jump start on their college search. There is no doubt that fall semester will be a lot less stressful if the college search and application process is well underway when school begins. Below are ten things rising seniors can and should begin working on now.Go Ahead….Get A Jump Start!

Here are ten things rising seniors can do to get a jump start on the college search:

1. Write at least one college admission essayApplying for college can take up as much time as a regular class during thesenior year. By preparing a generic essay in advance that can be tailored todifferent applications, the Rising Seniors can spend more time on studies andextracurricular activities once school begins.

2. Complete one college admission applicationThis application can serve as the prototype for all other applications. TheCommon Application is accepted by hundreds of colleges and may be a goodplace to start.

3. Collect reference lettersNormally reference letters come from junior year teachers who have taughtthe student for the last full year. Teachers usually appreciate having theextra time over the summer to write a reference for rising seniorswhen the memory of the student’s achievements is fresh.

4. Visit (or plan to visit) campusesWhile summer is not the ideal time to visit campuses because there aren’tmany students there, this is the time Rising Seniors are free andparents’ schedules are usually more flexible. These visits can also be madein the early fall and should include sitting in on a class, looking at thedorm rooms, eating in the cafeteria, and meeting with coaches and professorsin areas of interest. Visiting colleges is a great way to conduct the college search.

5. Develop preliminary list of collegesCall, write or use the Internet to request information. Some colleges mayeven give out names of alumni in the student’s neighborhood who may bewilling to share experiences. Use this information to help with your college search and create a list of colleges to which to apply. Be thorough in the college search and learn what distinguishes one college from the next.

6. Participate in interesting activitiesSummer is a time to act on interests through internships, volunteer work,clubs or paid positions. Try something productive and creative, preferablyin an area of interest.

7. Keep a journalA journal can help Rising Seniors chronicle their activities as well as determinewhat they want and need for the next few years. Journals also serve to helpimprove communication skills, critical for later success.

8. Plan to take SAT, ACT, SAT IIRising seniors should have taken SATs and ACTs at least once by this pointbut may want to look at when they’re offered again in the fall. Those takingSAT II subject tests will need to decide which subjects to take. If SAT prepcourses are planned, sign up now for early fall.

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Jeannie Borin stays on the forefront of current and innovative trends in college admissions and education. This is evident by her vast social and national media presence, membership in the most highly regarded college admissions organizations, public speaking, and attendance at professional college conferences. She also visits colleges throughout the United States building contacts within the admissions staff. Her extensive educational background includes school administrator, counselor, admissions director, teacher and curriculum supervisor in both the public and private sectors. Jeannie received her master's degree in Counseling and Education and Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology/Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. She writes frequently for numerous college websites and hosts a blog. Contact her at this address.